PORT TOWNSEND – PTTV Station Manager Gary Lemons feels he’s leaving the community broadcast outlet in good hands.

“The station has been nationally recognized as a success, given it is the smallest station in the country,” said Lemons recently.

Lemons will leave the station, which broadcasts on Millennium Digital Media cable channels 47 and 48 in Jefferson County only, on March 31 after 10 years at the helm.

Lemons, 58, is leaving PTTV to publish his second book of poetry, become a full-time yoga instructor and run his home-based high-definition video production business.

The past two years have been a growth period for the station, he said, mentioning programming from Jefferson Healthcare hospital, the Wooden Boat Foundation, United Good Neighbors, Peninsula Daily News, Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson Mental Health.

Lemons said much of the station’s growth and success should be credited to loyal volunteers, such as Port Townsend artist Cliff Wood, who Lemons called the station’s “defacto manager” in times of Lemons’ absence, for 10 years.

About 15 volunteers connected with the city Public Education Government advisory committee and the Port Townsend Producers Guild are taking part in the transition after Lemons’ departure.

The group of residents, along with Mayor Mark Welch, has recommended that no interim manager be hired until long-range planning is completed in about 60 days from April 1.

During that time, the station would continue producing and broadcasting programs on a limited basis.

The City Counicl was expected to approve the plan on Monday night.